Haji Ali Dargah

This mosque is famous among people for two different reasons. The first reason is that the place is located in the middle of the sea and is connected to the land by a pathway. The other reason is the religious power of this place. Many miracle stories are linked with this mosque and it is said that those who pray here get their wishes fulfilled.Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and a tomb. Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari’s tomb is located inside the monument.

Where is Haji Ali Dargah Located ?

The mosque is linked with the land by a small pathway leading to Mahalakshmi, South Mumbai. The pathway is one kilometer long and people have to walk the distance. The walk on the pathway guarded with railings on both the side is an important tourist activity here. You can find cabs, buses and autos from any part of Mumbai to reach Mahalakshmi.

Best Time to Visit Haji Ali Dargah ?

The mosque and the tomb is open throughout the year and throughout the week. The best time to visit is on Thursdays and Fridays. You can find many rituals during these days. Numerous pilgrims visit the place during these two days. The worst time to visit is the rainy season. With heavy rains, the pathway leading to the mosque submerge and it becomes impossible to reach the mosque. The mosque is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Cost

There is no entrance fee.

Haji Ali Dargah is famous for ?

The sight of the mosque on a small islet from the shore attracts many photographers. The mosque is 500m away from the shore. It is an excellent icon of Indo-Islamic architectural style. Once you reach the entrance, you can find marble courtyard and a cover sheet made with red and green color. The main hall contains the shrine and you can find majestic marble pillars with mirror works arranged in an interesting Arabic pattern. You can find 99 names of Allah in the pillars. There are separate praying hall for men and women. You can enjoy sufi music events on every Fridays and during religious festivals.

History of Haji Ali Dargah

A Muslim merchant, Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari gave up all his wealth and possessions and took a pilgrimage to Mecca. He travelled from Uzbekistan and reached Mumbai by mid of 15th century. He decided to stay in Mumbai and spread Islam. Until his death, he spread and preached Islam to people around him. He requested his followers not to bury him after his death but throw him into ocean. He asked people to bury his body where it reaches the shore. The body perched on a small rock in the middle of the sea and the tomb was built in the place of the rock. The current structure was built in 1916. The original structure was built in 15th century.

Shopping and Dining

Right outside the complex of the mosque, you can find small shops that sell local cuisine and even fast food. There is a market close to the mosque where you can shop for small souvenir items.